Summer in Michigan is a whole vibe, is it not?
Warm weather is finally here to stay; camping season has started; and most importantly, school is over! It means sand in our toes, play dates at the park, poolside popsicles, late nights, and sleeping in. Basically, think of everything that makes you happy, simplify it, and you have summer vacation. As a kid, was there really anything better?
But although the long days and extra Vitamin C might have you and your school-aged kids feeling on top of the world, your toddlers don’t necessarily experience it the same way. Instead, they tend to prefer routines, so waking up, eating, napping, and bedtime doesn’t usually change much over the summer months.
And that can make booking summer photo sessions a little intimidating.
The good news is that we’re officially past the summer solstice, which means sunsets are starting to get just a tiny bit earlier day by day now. But even on the latest of nights, there are ways to help make summer photo sessions go a little smoother, so there’s less to worry about, and more fun to be had!
1. Adjust Nap Time. I know just the thought of adjusting a child’s nap schedule is a nightmare, but pushing it back even just an hour or so can make a big difference in keeping your toddler awake and happy long enough to have a successful session together. In preparation for summer photo sessions, try to start doing some of your child’s favorite activities with them during nap time a day or two before your shoot, so they can be ready to do the same thing on session day. I promise those beautiful golden sunsets are worth it!
2. Bring Toys + Treats. Don’t ever hesitate to bring toys and snacks to your summer photo sessions! Tired babies are much more easily entertained by their favorite, familiar toys from home, and let’s face it: all children are food-motivated. Let the record show that Luce Photography fully supports and encourages bribery.
3. Shade or Studio. If adjusting nap time isn’t an option for your summer photo sessions, there are still a couple options for you! We can shoot it in our big, beautiful Bay City studio on Kosciuszko Avenue, or we can shoot your session an hour or two earlier than golden hour, and look for shady areas. The sun is harsher earlier in the day, so it requires a different way of shooting, but it still makes for a beautiful backdrop!
Our summer calendar is fully booked, but if you’re interested in booking your own session this fall or winter, make sure to contact us and check out our different packages. We’d love to work with you!
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